Oct 14-17:A Solo Trip to Disneyland! Day3: Single Rider Shuffle

[glennbo123]

A SOLO trip! I get it! This is gonna be good.

7 days away, huh? It'll be here soon!

 

[SurfinTX]

Hey Glennbo! I knew you would get a kick out of that!

I think this next week will be one of the most hectic in my life with work plans and Disney right after...all in a city I have never been to before.

Gotta keep researching.

 

[SurfinTX]

I'm baaaack!

First of all I want to say I am exhausted. There were thrills and spills and enough excitement to keep me going most of the trip. As I said before, this will be an unusual trip report since Han Solo tagged along and he can be such a pain in the neck when he wants to be. A few things I would like to point out.

1. Since I am a WDW vet I'll be comparing rides from both parks and try to convey the differences.

2. There will be food porn!

3. I'll try to be clear what parts of the trip are fictional.

Now with that out of the way lets dive on in with part 1.

 

[SurfinTX]

Part 1: Have Gun. Will Travel.

It's Tuesday the 12th of October and the day starts very early. Me and Dianna wake up before sunrise and get the kids ready and off to school. Dianna drives me off to work and we say our goodbyes. After sitting in a few meetings at work and gathering all of our documents we made our way via DART to the airport. Han casually joined us at the station keeping a low profile.

Connecting with the TRE rail we make our way to the south entrance of DFW airport.

From that station we have to make two bus hops to arrive at our terminal. I mention this to highlight how ineffecient Dallas' mass transit is at this time. Hopefully this will be corrected when they complete a line directly to the airport in two years.

Check-in and security was a breeze. At least until Han stepped up and realized he had left his blaster strapped to his hip. This did not go over well with TSA and that was the last I saw poor Han for a while.

I hopped aboard the Skylink and checked out the sites around the airport.

Those Koreans and their video games.

About this time Han comes sliding to a stop in my car and then tries to look casually around. A few beads of sweat are dripping from his face as he turns to me and says, "No problem!"

Figuring it was better to not ask any questions the cars round a bend and I see...

Turning to Han I ask why we are not taking the Falcon. Shrugging sheepishly he mumbled something about import licenses and being impounded.

Leaving the Skylink I am getting a bit hungry and head over to a Chili's Too for lunch. I order the Tripple Dipper with Southwest Eggrolls, Spinich Artichoke Dip and Chicken Tenders.

The service was quick and the food was pretty good. Nothing outstanding but it beats the heck out of having to purchase food on the plane itself. Soon we are boarding the plane on time and get situated.

Our fearless hero.

We are off on a three hour flight to sunny California where our adventure really begins!

Part 2: A Lot Happened During a Work Trip and Must Be Skipped for the Sake of the Readers!

 

[glennbo123]

Part 1: Have Gun. Will Travel.

Good title = good start!

Han casually joined us at the station keeping a low profile.

Love it! (The higher the profile Han keeps the better, TR-wise, as far as I'm concerned. This is great!)

Figuring it was better to not ask any questions the cars round a bend and I see...

Turning to Han I ask why we are not taking the Falcon. Shrugging sheepishly he mumbled something about import licenses and being impounded.

Awesome!!!

Our fearless hero.

This turned out pretty good. I'm sure if I tried it, I'd get too much of an up-nostril shot.

Part 2: A Lot Happened During a Work Trip and Must Be Skipped for the Sake of the Readers!

You are sooo kind!

 

[mrp4352]

I'm here and so glad Glenbo sent me your way! Much fun!


(And because I'm from N. Tx, too: Go Rangers!)

 

[Flossbolna]

Glenn said we should come over here, so here I am! And very much enjoyed your first TR installment! You have interesting travel companions I must say!

Sorry that your transit system is not really working as it should... But I can assure you that even European cities sometimes struggle. Berlin, here in Germany, closed the only airport with an underground station, now has two which can only reached by bus and now is building a brand new one, which will have a high speed train link, but won't be connected to the underground system which ends only 3 miles from the new airport. Oh, and in Munich they only have slow local trains (well, at least there is a train every 15 minutes) which take 50 minutes to get into the city (car isn't faster, the airport is that far away) and then they nearly burnt a lot of money when they thought that a highspeed magnetic train would be the solution... Ok, now you rather wish that I would not have followed Glenn's recommendation, but you appeared to have an interest in transit systems....

I promise better Disney related comments next time!

 

[JH87]

I was there the same time as you, 10/16-10/17!!!
Excited to read more!

 

[SurfinTX]

Good title = good start!

I figured a good Paladin reference would get things moving in the right direction.

Love it! (The higher the profile Han keeps the better, TR-wise, as far as I'm concerned. This is great!)

Awesome!!!

Han will come and go as he pleases. You never know when he will turn up!

This turned out pretty good. I'm sure if I tried it, I'd get too much of an up-nostril shot.

I was doing a lot of reviewing of these self-pics checking how I posed. Sometimes I would get a half smile that looked very bad.

You are sooo kind!

I have so few readers as it is...wait. What? Where are all these people coming from? Aaaaaaaggghhhh!

I'm here and so glad Glenbo sent me your way! Much fun!


(And because I'm from N. Tx, too: Go Rangers!)

Glad you joined in! The Rangers are back in town tonight. Hopefully we can finish off the hated Yankees in Game 6.

Glenn said we should come over here, so here I am! And very much enjoyed your first TR installment! You have interesting travel companions I must say!

Sorry that your transit system is not really working as it should... But I can assure you that even European cities sometimes struggle. Berlin, here in Germany, closed the only airport with an underground station, now has two which can only reached by bus and now is building a brand new one, which will have a high speed train link, but won't be connected to the underground system which ends only 3 miles from the new airport. Oh, and in Munich they only have slow local trains (well, at least there is a train every 15 minutes) which take 50 minutes to get into the city (car isn't faster, the airport is that far away) and then they nearly burnt a lot of money when they thought that a highspeed magnetic train would be the solution... Ok, now you rather wish that I would not have followed Glenn's recommendation, but you appeared to have an interest in transit systems....

I promise better Disney related comments next time!

No worries! I actually am a big proponent of high speed rail. Airlines have become a big hassle for family travel and with all of the fees they are cost prohibitive compared to driving. Rail links from one metropolitan area to the next is really the only other option and the U.S. is woefully behind. Intracity the regular trains should be fine...but right now Dallas has two light rail and one medium lines that connect only a few corridors. I'm sure my work would not have used it if they didn't already have an agreement for free transit for it's employees.

I was there the same time as you, 10/16-10/17!!!
Excited to read more!

I'm glad you joined in as well! Do you have a trip report going?

 

[marvali]

Okay, since Glenn asked so nicely, I decided to head on over and see what is going on! Have been to DL a couple of times, but it has been a few years since my last trip. Can't wait to see how your trip went and what you thought about the park.

 

[SurfinTX]

Part 2: A Lot Happened During a Work Trip and Must Be Skipped for the Sake of the Readers!

I know everyone was looking forward to my twenty page report on my training courses but we will have to skip ahead due to time constraints.

Thursday rolls around and the weather is wonderfull that afternoon. Temperatures in the low 80's and partly cloudy skies. When traveling to Disneyland and the Anahiem area the first thing I have to warn WDW travelers about is that Disneyland does not have a Magical Express service from the airports. There are many options to get there and depending on family size and schedule you will need to research which option is best for you.

Since my stay up to this point was near LAX I decided to use Disneyland Resort Express with a discount from Mousesavers for $29 roundtrip. There are other options such as public transport, various van services to limos if your looking to splurge.

This is how DRE works. After picking you up at whichever airport you land at they will drive you to the Disneyland Hotel. At that stop they will collect your fare and then start going from hotel to hotel dropping people off. Today the order was

Disneyland Hotel
Grand Californian
Paradise Pier
Anabella
Travelodge International

Total transit time was about 1 hour was dropped off at 3:00 pm.. Check in was quick with no problems and I had a choice of floors. I picked the 3rd floor to make sure I would not hear any giant steps above me. Entering my room I quickly take a few pictures before Han has a chance to toss his stuff around.

A quick check of my gear then me and Han were off to really start our vacation. From the Travelodge to the gate at Disneyland is a solid mile. If you are not in good shape that is beyond walking distance for most children and some adults after a long day at the park. Right outside of the travelodge is an OCTA bus stop that is also used by Anahiem Resort Transit. You can buy a 3 day pass for $10 per person if you wish to use that option. Feeling pretty good today we decide to walk.

We arrive at the bag check at 4:00 pm and notice fairly light crowds in the area between the two parks.

A bit further on we see our first signs of Halloween.

Another difference you find at Disneyland is your tickets. In my case I printed a paper copy I recieved by E-Mail after purchasing a 4 day Parkhopper. Three or more days entitles you to one Magic Morning early admission to Disneyland. I take advantage of this later in my stay so more on that later. After handing the gate attendant my paper copy they print out my cardboard ticket I'll be using on the rest of the trip. Make sure you do not lose this since it's a bit of a pain to replace.

Making our way through the turnstile which gives off a Tinkerbell like chime, I finally reach the Most Magical Place on Earth and I feel my vacation has officially started.

Han turns towards me and asks, "So what do we do now?"
I say, "Let's start slow and check a few sites before diving in."

I had a plan for every day printed out to help me remember things like when shows and parades were going on. Referring to it I see we have entered the park 20 minutes ahead of schedule which gives me some time to slowly check things out and do a few extra things before heading deeper into the park.

The first attraction we see is Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln to our right. The building is divided into two parts; with artwork and models of characters and rides inside the park and then Great Moments towards the back.

I saw Han eyeing these Haunted Mansion prints and I told him don't even think about it.

Eventually we make our way over to the Great Moments room.

Inside they are playing a short film about the presidency and some background information about Lincoln himself. Here you will also find a large model of the Capitol Building.

After a bit the doors to the left open to a theater (not Ford's Theatre nor were they showing Our American Cousin.) and sit for a 15 minute show. I have to say that the animatronic lincoln is very convincing if you sit a few rows back. About the show itself...it's very patriotic and if you have a bit of spare time it's worth it. If you have kids clamoring to see the park then you can pass it over.

As we exit the theater you pass by this example of Disney history.

A picture of Walt Disney just before opening day in 1955. The bench is from a park near Glendale, CA where Disney thought of the idea of Disneyland.

After exiting and still way ahead of schedule I notice that the Disneyland Railroad Train had just pulled in above the main entrance. Running up the steps I just get on in time for a roundtrip tour of the park!

It's a Small World from the train.

I have to say that the DL Railroad is far superior to DW's. There are many more sights to see and after you pass Tomorrowland you pass through a Grand Canyon and Primeval World diorama as well. I consider this a legitimate attraction and if you have time or need to relax your feet for twenty minutes then hop on!

Stepping off the train back at the Main Entrance me and Han walk over to where Main Street U.S.A starts and find this.

This was a fabulous photo opportunity so I hand my camera off to a helpful CM so me and Han can show off our Disney lanyards!

With 5:00 approaching it is now time to start looking at my plans and get something to eat.

Up Next: Who Needs a Cantina Band Anyway?

 

[SurfinTX]

Okay, since Glenn asked so nicely, I decided to head on over and see what is going on! Have been to DL a couple of times, but it has been a few years since my last trip. Can't wait to see how your trip went and what you thought about the park.

Welcome aboard! This trip was definantly different from my WDW vacations. Anaheim is a world apart from Orlando.

 

[marvali]

Welcome aboard! This trip was definantly different from my WDW vacations. Anaheim is a world apart from Orlando.

So true, but two of my favorite rides are at DL........the Matterhorn, and the Indiana Jones ride that is similar to Dinosaur at AK.

 

[glennbo123]

This was a fabulous photo opportunity so I hand my camera off to a helpful CM so me and Han can show off our Disney lanyards!

Ah yes, I remember when Princess Leia presented Han, Luke, and Chewie with thier Disney lanyards after successfully destroying the Death Star. And C3PO was the shiniest he's ever been. That was quite a moment.

I see that you're a little taller than Han -- I wouldn't have guessed that. He's probably not so tough without that blaster.

 

[mom3sonstt]

Loving your report. I've never been to Disneyland but it's on my "someday" list. I'm guessing since Han is not carrying a bag he didn't have to go through bag check, and therefore the blaster went unnoticed??

 

[TinksThree]

I am here!!! It seems I missed a lot but all caught up! I am really disappointed in not hearing the notes from the training....I was looking most forward to that!!

It sounds like you have started off well! Can't wait to hear more! I am so glad Han got to tag along to keep you company!!

 

[SurfinTX]

Ah yes, I remember when Princess Leia presented Han, Luke, and Chewie with thier Disney lanyards after successfully destroying the Death Star. And C3PO was the shiniest he's ever been. That was quite a moment.

I see that you're a little taller than Han -- I wouldn't have guessed that. He's probably not so tough without that blaster.

Harrison Ford - 6' 1" He's just leaning a bit more than me at that moment.

Loving your report. I've never been to Disneyland but it's on my "someday" list. I'm guessing since Han is not carrying a bag he didn't have to go through bag check, and therefore the blaster went unnoticed??

Han- "Hey, don't worry. Chewie and me got into a
lot of places more heavily guarded than this."

I am here!!! It seems I missed a lot but all caught up! I am really disappointed in not hearing the notes from the training....I was looking most forward to that!!

It sounds like you have started off well! Can't wait to hear more! I am so glad Han got to tag along to keep you company!!

Welcome back! I think Han joining in will add some spice to what would have been otherwise a very bland trip report. I'll get another update up sometime tomorrow hopefully. Mikey is a bit under the weather so my time is getting split up at the moment.

 

[Flossbolna]

Even though I think those dioramas are really boring, I agree with your general assessment, how much nicer the train ride is at DL! I loved your pictures of It's A Small World from the train. DL IASW is so much prettier than WDW! I have been to DL only twice (1992 and 2005), but I still remember how beautiful the park is.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Hi Tom! Followed the link over here from Glenn's TR, and I've seen you hanging around the caption contest thread before. I've never been to Disneyland and am a sucker for movies in general (and Star Wars in particular) as noted in my TR, and figured I'd come along for the ride! Looking forward to more!

 

[SurfinTX]

Even though I think those dioramas are really boring, I agree with your general assessment, how much nicer the train ride is at DL! I loved your pictures of It's A Small World from the train. DL IASW is so much prettier than WDW! I have been to DL only twice (1992 and 2005), but I still remember how beautiful the park is.

Yeah. I was pretty much making a generalization. I had an extra 30 minutes when I arrived so I got to get two unplanned attractions out of the way that I normaly would not have done. I have to agree that the stops at IASW and New Orleans really stand out above the WDW version.

Hi Tom! Followed the link over here from Glenn's TR, and I've seen you hanging around the caption contest thread before. I've never been to Disneyland and am a sucker for movies in general (and Star Wars in particular) as noted in my TR, and figured I'd come along for the ride! Looking forward to more!

Hey! Yeah I remember voting for a few of your more memorable quotes. If your a Star Wars fan there will be plenty of references along the way. Keep your popcorn ready!